Couple, 92, found dead at South Australian retirement village in ‘murder-suicide’

South Australian Police say they suspect the elderly couple found dead inside a South Australian retirement village died a result of a murder-suicide.

A 92-year-old husband killed his elderly wife before taking his own life, police believe.

Dennis and Barbara Willshire, both aged 92, were discovered in their unit at the Glynde retirement village in South Australia at approximately 8am on Wednesday after a staff member found their bodies during a routine check-up.

Police Superintendent Matt Nairn said authorities “believe the man has killed potentially his wife and then taken his own life”.

They had been married for 50 years and Mrs Willshire had been unwell.

Dennis and Barbara Willshire, both aged 92, were discovered in their unit at the Glynde retirement village at approximately 8am Wednesday

The couple reportedly moved in to the quiet village about seven years ago.

The couple, who had three children and seven grandchildren, moved to the quiet village about seven years ago.

“She was unwell and Dennis was very distressed about the whole situation, she’d been unwell for about three months,” one neighbour said.

Mr Willshire, who was born in the UK, was a well-respected retired public servant who had worked in weapons research, while Mrs Willshire was a talented painter, The Advertiser reported. They both enjoyed going to church.

She took a “turn for the worst” last week and needed oxygen, a friend said.

“She did not look like her normal cheerful self.”

Superintendent Nairn confirmed the couple was not previously known to police, with authorities ruling out any history of domestic violence.

“They were a beautiful couple – it was a love story, really,” another neighbour said.

“Dennis was a devoted husband. He was such a lovely man. We’re all in a mystery about what happened and whether they planned it.

“But Barbara had been speaking like that for a while. That would have depressed Dennis also because he would do anything for her.”

Supt Nairn confirmed the couple was not previously known to police, with authorities ruling out any history of domestic violence.

Police have not yet revealed exactly when the couple died, or if any weapons were used.

The couple’s family has been notified of the tragedy.

“As you can imagine this is very tragic for a family,” Supt Nairn said.

A report is being prepared for a coroner.